The judges made their choices this week sending 16 contestants home from the judges houses. Well, 15. Melanie got sent home from Simon’s house, but after he felt he made a “mistake”, he visited her home and added her into the line-up. I have heard some very unhappy opinions on the choices, especially when it came to the girls. BUT… is their a “wildcard” twist coming? Read below for my opinions on the choices, pictures of those chosen to go on in the competition and more about the chance for wildcards to enter the fray.

The Chosen Ones

So, what did you think about the judges choices? I for one was very happy for the most part, but have to say I was disappointed with Simon’s picks. Well, not all of his choices, just a couple. First, I thought Jazzlyn Little most definitely deserved to be in the mix, and was really peeved he sent her home. I really think that was a mistake and that she could definitely be something. Hopefully someone important did make note of her, and there are behind the scenes things going on with her now that we don’t know about or the Wildcard rumor is true. I was disappointed in his choice in Tiah as well. I think she might be good, but she needs work and a lot of it. I really think Simon just had something to prove with that girl with the other judges and his ego just couldn’t let her go. His other choice, Simone… She can sing, but her attitude leaves something to be desired. She also was the one that forgot the words at boot camp. Again, there was another one that could have been excused from the competition to make way for Jazzlyn.  He could have let Simone go telling her to drop the attitude, come back humble next year, and maybe there would be a spot for her. Heck, let Simone and Tiah go, and Jazzlyn and Melanie (who is amazing) would have both had spots. I really don’t know what Simon was thinking here.

In the other categories, I was happy Dexter (Over 30′s) got through. There is another one that needs a lot of work, but man oh man does he have soul when he sings. It makes a big difference when you live a life like he has and you can hear it in his voice. I was however disappointed in the choice of Stacy over Elaine. I really think Nicole chose Stacy for the story line. Yes, she can sing and maybe I am just cynical, but I’m a little tired of the crying each and everytime the camera is on her. We get it… you were told you were no good, now you are here, you have kids to take care of… blah blah blah. For some of us, or maybe just for me, it does get old. Plus, I thought Elaine was better.

The groups I didn’t really care for much from the start. I don’t know why but none of them really did it for me. I think my favorite in the category was one the judges threw together, Lakoda Rayne. Hopefully Paula will help them with choreography because that part was atrocious. They sang really well together though.

The boys… I wasn’t all that fond of any of them either. I was kinda hoping Nick Voss had made it through, but he needed a lot of work as well. Great voice, but he needed to drop the poser stuff and learn how to be himself. One I was hoping would not go through is Brian Bradley aka “Astro”. Ugh. The attitude on this young child… If my child were to act like that he would be grounded for a long, LONG time. I know he’s young, I just hope they can mellow out his mouth. He is imitating what he hears from older rappers, and it just sounds horrible coming from a 15 yr. old. That kind of attitude (as well as Simone’s) will be what get’s you booted by America. I’m kind of hoping those two are first, followed quickly by Tiah just to irritate Simon.

Wildcards?

According to the show last Tuesday, this coming Tuesday was supposed to begin the Live Shows. However, when I went to my Tivo page online to find out more about The X Factor TV schedule, the show coming up this Tuesday is titled “Wildcard- Live” with the description “Hopefuls perform for the judges and an audience.” The show is scheduled to be two and a half hours. So hmmmm. Does that mean we may see some of our favorites that were eliminated back in the competition? It’s possible. The “Wildcard” twist made it’s way to The X Factor last year in the UK, so why not here? In addition (I don’t know what this means), on The X Factor Official website, you can click to get tickets to the shows. The listing for this week’s show (for tickets) is on Sunday, October 23. That doesn’t sound “live” for Tuesday does it? Also, there are no more TV listings (tickets) for any more shows this coming week, with the next available show tickets for Wednesday November 2nd, and Thursday, November 3rd. (That sounds more like a live show and elimination night to me.) It could also mean that judges will be eliminating one of their 4 (Simon one of 5) on the Tuesday airing (Sunday taping), bringing the competition down to 13 competitors. That kind of sounds more likely to me, but who knows.

Other sites have also been keeping up with the possible Wildcard Spoilers. I guess we will just have to wait and see. It seems like that would be a lot of live performers to fit in if they add any more contestants.

What do you think? Will more be added? If so, who would you like to see return to the competition? Is it just a judge kick off show? Let us know below, then come on into the Forum to discuss all your favorite Reality TV! You can see who was chosen below:

Judge: Simon Cowell, The Girls:

Judge Paula Abdul, The Groups:

Judge Nicole Scherzinger, The Over 30′s:

Judge L.A. Reid, The Boys:

Apparently, The X Factor can’t seem to make up it’s mind whether Cheryl Cole will be a part of the show or not.

As we reported last week, Cole was replaced by Nicole Sherzinger on the judging panel touting no real apparent reason… well, they said that it was because those auditioning couldn’t understand her accent, however many speculated that she did not get along with fellow judge Paula Abdul. Now, Simon Cowell has supposedly asked her back to the show. Sources close to Simon claim that Cowell said “We have offered Cheryl a second chance and she might still come back to US X Factor. Fox have been re-examining the situation and have had a change of heart. After the debacle with the UK judging panel we have started negotiating with Cheryl’s camp and the ball is now in her court.”

Cheryl has not commented as to whether she will take Simon up on his offer and return to the show, but FOX is planning on airing the footage with her as judge regardless. I guess we wait and see!

What do you think? Are you going to watch The X Factor? Let us know below!

The ongoing saga of the Paula Abdul/Simon Cowell relationship will continue to be played out on TV screens across America. What a relief. Paula Abdul has officially joined the judges panel of Simon Cowell’s X Factor, finishing up and signing her contract at the last minute. It was so last minute that it held up first day filming by a couple of hours in fact.

Paula showed up at filming dressed to the nines and immediately embraced Simon for all the cameras. She will be joining the three other confirmed judges, Simon, Cheryl Cole and L.A. Reid as the search begins to find America’s ‘X Factor’ this Fall, according to Fox.

To make sure everyone knew just how important Paula was to him, Simon even bumped the judges over, including his once favorite judge Cheryl Cole, to have Paula seated next to him on the panel according to sources.

Paula, when asked what she thought of the new gig and judges, claimed she was excited to meet Cheryl, that she has ‘heard such lovely things about her’. Simon, on the other hand, had something else in mind. “You put pretty girls together it’s like three cats in a sack, isn’t it,’ he said. ‘And it needs a bit of a shake.” I guess we will see how this plays out.

Looking over the pictures of these judges arriving, [Click pictures to enlarge] the panel almost looks like this other show I once watched. The judging panel resembled these people a lot. Hmmm… what could it be?

What do you think? Excited about the X Factor? Let us know below!

Wednesday night saw the finale of Paula Abdul’s new show ‘Live to Dance.’ Did you see it? Probably not, according to the rating numbers. Her show started out showing some decent numbers, but ended up falling short in the long run, with only 4.8 million tuning in for the finale. No official word from CBS on the shows status, but sources say that we just witnessed the first and last season of the dance show.

The couple that did win the show were mighty cute though! No, I wasn’t one of the 4.8 million who tuned in Wednesday night, but thanks to the power of the internet, I got to see for myself the youngsters that took the $500,000 prize, and I have to say, this duo really did a great job. Unlike most of the kids you see dancing, this team really didn’t have the movements of children, and my guess is will do pretty well for themselves in the dancing world. The Miami youngsters, D’Angelo Castro and Amanda Carbajales (9 and 10 years old), when asked how they were going to celebrate their win, said they were going to a friends house to play in the pool. The true spirit of the child lives on! I have included a video below of the kid’s audition for the show, see for yourselves how great (and cute) they really are!

In the meantime, with Paula’s show heading to cancellation, that does in fact free her up for other endeavors, maybe filling one of those empty spots on Cowell’s X-Factor? Simon Cowell expressed that Paula could be in the running a few days ago, however was quick to state there are many people vying for that position as well. The judging panel for the show is not expected to be announced for several weeks however, so we will just have to wait and see.

So, watch the video below, and let us know what you think about these two young dancers. Also, would you like to see Paula and Simon reunited at the judging panel? Leave us a comment, and be sure to join us for all the fun in the forum HERE!

Paula Abdul’s coming back to a screen near you and not very long after leaving her stint on American Idol. Live to Dance, a new dance reality show for CBS, will premiere in January 2011 and CBS has given word on it’s host and judge’s panel. Joining executive producer Abdul on the judges table will be Travis Payne and Kimberly Wyatt. Payne is probably best known as choreographer and associate director to Kenny Ortega on This Is It, the Michael Jackson film, and has worked with Janet Jackson, Miley Cyrus, Usher, and Madonna in the past. Kimberly Wyatt, an original member of The Pussycat Dolls, recently served as a judge on Got to Dance, the British version of which Live to Dance is based. Dance will be hosted by who many dub as the Aussie Ryan Seacrest, Andrew Günsberg. Günsberg has recently hosted Australian Idol. He also has a nationally syndicated radio show, Take 40 Australia (a la American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest) and has hosted Australian Network Ten’s live New Year’s Eve broadcast.

Per the CBS press release, Live to Dance “represents one of the most inclusive talent searches on television, searching for dancers with raw ability from any age group across the nation performing either solo or in a group.” The Live to Dance champion will be awarded a $500,000 grand prize. Along with being lead judge, Abdul “will also serve as coach, mentor and advocate for contestants during the performances and elimination process.” So dance fans, what do you think? Does this sound too So You Think You Can Dance? Looking forward to seeing Paula back on TV? Let us know below and join our FORUMS to discuss!

For more information on Live to Dance and open casting calls, click HERE for the official site.

What many saw coming weeks ago, Fox has confirmed today. In a bold move after welcoming back Exec. Producer Nigel Lythgoe, Fox has revamped the American Idol judge’s table after Cowell’s exit, Ellen’s resignation, and Kara’s departure. With that, welcome new judges Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith front man, Steven Tyler, who will join the only original judge left, Randy Jackson. As season 10 auditions are “officially” just around the corner, Idol brought in the big news with an exclusive press conference ala Dancing With the Stars cast announcement style. Both arguably seasoned performers, Fox hopes that Lopez and Tyler can help keep Idol as America’s #1 bringing their fresh outlooks to the show’s format.

Idol is also installing a new platform to audition for season 10 – online auditions straight at MySpace, where users can upload video auditions (until October 6) for public and production viewing in hopes of making the call to Hollywood and catch their big break. Idol auditions continued in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Sept. 22. So, are you happy with this change? Rather have the days of Randy, Paula, and Simon or did you like having a fourth? How do you think JLo and Tyler will fare? Be sure to let us know HERE in our forums and stick to the Yak for all of your entertainment needs!

Reports going left and right in the past week or so have named a large number of potential American Idol judges, but we’ve got the scoop to help narrow down the field and keep the rumors to a minimum. Thanks to E!Online, we’ve learned that the Steven Tyler reports could very well be set in stone. No official word has been released (and likely won’t be soon), but as Idol gets closer to start filming for Season 10, we’ll be hearing more. Continue reading after the break for all the scoop on Idol’s new Judge’s panel and don’t forget to stay up to date on all things entertainment in our forums!

There is still no official word on whether either Randy Jackson or Kara DioGuardi will be leaving or staying. Should they leave, who else could sit at that table? Howard Stern is not one of them for sure! According to returning producer Nigel Lythgoe, that was never a possibility to begin with. However, the following megastars have been offered a deal: Britney Spears, Shania Twain, Mariah Carey, Jessica Simpson, Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson. Jackson and Spears have reportedly passed on the opportunity. Jessica is up for the gig, but apparently not at the top of Fox’s list. Shania and Mariah are still very well in the mix and Paula has been cut out of the realm of possibility because her deal with CBS for a new dance show is exclusive (which seems to be much like So You Think You Can Dance, by the way).

So who would YOU like to see on Idol’s panel? Someone previously mentioned or someone not even on the list? Come discuss it in our forums!

Confirmed yesterday, Nigel Lythgoe is for sure coming back as Executive Producer of American Idol, joining forces with Simon Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Ken Warwick.  Lythgoe reportedly would also like a way to bring back former Idol judge Paula Abdul, which may be a tough one to crack now being she has signed exclusively with CBS on a new dance show.  He hopes to have the new judging panel finalized by the end of this month as well.  He said he would be most happy with Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, but would also like to make sure that the chemistry with the judging panel is there.

He also mentioned cutting down the “back story” packages of the contestants, saying that he has seen enough of the contestants and rough family life.  Instead, he would like the show to go back to it’s roots and focus on the singing.  He also plans on expanding “Idol Gives Back.”

All in all, Lythgoe is excited about re-joining the show, and hopes he can provide some “tweaks” as he calls them (rather than a major facelift) to bring the show back up where it should be.  What do you think?  Do you think the tweaks will help?  Will you watch?  Come talk about it in the FORUM.

AOL TV has reported that Nigel Lythgoe might be returning to American Idol for a much needed remodeling of the show’s structure and format. And first on the table for the So You Think You Can Dance judge and Executive Producer? Completely revamping the Judge’s table. No more Randy, Kara, and maybe Ellen? Who would he like to see? Usher, Elton John and Paula Abdul – and he is on record saying that. Fox and the American Idol production team are under a time crunch as they try to secure a celebrity panel before Fox’s new show, The X Factor (produced by ex-AI judge Simon Cowell). After Lythoe’s work on SYTYCD, his expertise might be needed back on American Idol if he were to make a return as executive producer after leaving the show after it’s 7th season to spend more time on SYTYCD. So what’s next for American Idol? Will we see a whole new judge’s panel when the show premieres in January of 2011? Get the details here and discuss it with us!

Source

So another season of American Idol has come to a close.  How would I wrap up the season?  Well, there were a few good moments, and many boring ones.  I myself was a huge Crystal fan, and thought the final two were the perfect choice.  America got that part of it right.  Crystal deserved the win for sure, having many more great moments during the season than Lee had, however I don’t think she needed it as much as Lee did, so the winning choice still made me happy.  Now I know there are many out there that did not prefer the fawning over Crystal that the judges seemed to do, I myself thought it appropriate however since in my opinion she was that good.  Last year though, I was on the other end of that statement, thinking Adam did not deserve the fawning, so I know it all comes down to taste.

The finale:  Now I don’t know if it’s my age, my taste, a little bit of both, but I personally thought this was one of the best finales AI had ever had.  It almost felt like they called me, and asked who I would like to see perform.  Christina was amazing as usual and I loved her new song, Janet was a terrific surprise although that first song she sang sounded eerily like Michael to me (Plus I would have loved to see Paula out there dancing during “Nasty Boys” seeing as she was a choreographer on the video.  I wonder if they made up yet?  I know they had a major falling out years ago), Michael McDonald was awesome (couldn’t believe he was there since he is noticeably absent from the Doobies ALWAYS), Joe Cocker was great, the Bee Gee’s, Hall and Oates, Chicago, all wonderful, and the surprise visit from Bret Michaels was real neat, although I’m not sure he should be doing things against his doctors orders, probably not smart… I have to say though my favorite moment was Alanis.  The notable change in lyric on “You Oughta Know” (from “Would she go down on you in a theater” to “would she go down with you to a theater”) made me chuckle out loud.  I just wish that segment would have lasted longer, although I know (since I know the lyrics to that song) that there wasn’t too much further they could have gone with that song without getting crazy with the changes or the sensor button!

Simon leaving:  Really, I can’t imagine what this show will be like without him.  It will certainly be interesting to watch, at least the first couple of airings next January.  I really think that unless they find someone fresh, bold, and not afraid to say how they really feel, then the end of AI we got to watch was it’s last hurrah.  I love Ellen, but I do really wish they had plopped her in the first seat so she could have her own thoughts, and not rehash what Randy said.  Never cared much for Kara at all.  I just can’t imagine what this show will be like.  It’s the “end of an era” so-to-speak I think for American Idol.  I just don’t know if they will be able to pull it off without him.

It was also nice to see the past winners and runners up show up on stage.  Notable’s missing: David Cook (I think his tour didn’t allow the time), Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken.  Neat to see though.

So to sum up, bests of the night: Alanis, Bret Michaels, Janet, Christina, Michael McDonald, Joe Cocker, Lee’s win.
Worsts: Simon leaving, Crystal’s loss,  missing previous Idols.
Most Awkward: Paula’s speech, those that didn’t make it through (who was that guy who grabbed the mic… I don’t think that was supposed to happen), William Hung coming out on “Pants on the Ground”

I give the finale a most definite “A” – What do you think?  Did I miss something?  Come join us in the forum to discuss!

Rumor has it that some people’s favorite judge might be back on American Idol for this season’s finale, where either Lee Dewyze or Crystal Bowersox will be crowned the next American Idol. For those of you still watching American Idol (or plan on watching the finale), what do you think? Reports are circulating saying that Paula may make a live on-stage appearance during a special tribute to Simon  Cowell before he leaves the show for good to join Fox’s X Factor next year. Would you like to see Paula back? Are you watching the finale? Join us and let us know what you think!

Thanks to our very own member “Yellowdog,” the Yak brings you this BREAKING news! Ellen DeGeneres will be replacing Paula Abdul on American Idol this winter. She’ll join Randy, Kara, and Simon at the judge’s table to

courtesy of people.com

offer her insight on the upcoming season. “Hopefully I’m the people’s point of view because I’m just like you,” DeGeneres says. “I sit at home and I watch it. … I’m not looking at it in a critical way from the producer’s mind. I’m looking at it as a person who is going to buy the music and is going to relate to that person.”

What do you guys think? Good move for Idol? Still want Paula? Come discuss with us!

Happy Hump Day, Yakksters! In the midst of the Big Brother season, we bring you breaking news from another reality favorite. Paula Abdul has officially tweeted … I mean, spoken! Abdul will NOT be returning to American Idol for it’s 9th Season. Fox has confirmed this.

So, with FOX offering HUGE money contracts to Simon and Randy and with FOX bringing back Kara DioGuardi, who many see as a biased judge with no open mind … Will YOU be watching Idol next season? What are your thoughts on Paula not being a part of the show? Will it be the same? Join us in our forums to discuss the latest Idol-loss!

First things first, congratulations go out to Kris Allen, winner of American Idol, Season 8, 2009!!!! Kris bested front runner and judges lovechild Adam Lambert, talented in his own right, by capturing just a reported 1% more of the 100 MILLION PLUS votes cast after last night’s final performances.

There’s going to be a LOT of debate on why Kris won and why Adam lost over the next several days, weeks and maybe months but I decided to write my own little letter to the judges of American Idol; Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Kara Dioguardi (please don’t bring her back next season!), to let them know my thoughts and before y’all assume something, NO I DON’T expect any will actually read this (but if someone wants to get it to them feel free! ).

“Dear Simon, Randy, Paula and Kara;

When the next season of American Idol rolls around you might want to make note of your behavior during Season 8. Why? Two words. Adam Lambert. That man is an awesome talent and will have a fantastic career but the reason he lost American Idol Season 8 was because of YOU FOUR. WEEK AFTER WEEK AFTER WEEK we, the viewers, even Adam fans, had to endure your incessant touting of the man, you practically handed him the title in the first few weeks.

Your job on American Idol is to judge the performances, NOT TO PICK THE WINNER and when you say to a contestant that this is theirs to win, this is their year, they will be at the end, they will win……….well let’s just say it ticks off the viewers that wear their redial buttons down to nubs because THIS IS OUR CHOICE. It’s called American Idol, NOT Who The Judges Want To Win Idol. So next year, even if you love someone as much as you did Adam, simply tell them that they did a great job in their performance but stop making it so obvious that you want them and only them to win. THAT’S why Adam lost and THAT’S why Chris Daughtry lost. The good thing is that Chris has a great career going and Adam will have a great career too.

The even better thing is that the soft voice, the underdog won this year. Kris Allen. And he DID deserve it no matter what you, the judges, say. He is a true talent and will go far.

May this be a lesson to you judges. Stop deciding who you think we should vote for. Let us decide. Or you may keep getting this year after year. ”

Now, let’s not forget Adam. Adam Lambert is a TRUE talent and he has a BRIGHT BRIGHT BRIGHT future in this industry so he deserves accolades for what he’s done and will do in the future. Our congrats to him as well.

So we just had the showdown between Kris Allen and Adam Lambert on the finale of Season Eight of American Idol and I have to admit, despite media proclamations, this SHOULD  be a close race. But what I REALLY want to talk about here is the burning question of when is enough, enough with American Idol? The judges, the entire season, have been SO obvious in their idolistic adoration of Adam Lambert, it’s hard to imagine why the season was even allowed to continue. If the judges had their way they probably would’ve given the title to Adam weeks ago.

My problem with this isn’t that I don’t think Adam should win or that I don’t think he has talent. That man has MAD talent, is such a performer and was obviously born to be on stage BUT my problem is that Randy, Paula, Kara and Simon are paid to be judges. This season, it seems like they were Adam Lambert cheerleaders rather than objective judges. And they SHOULD be OBJECTIVE, taking the approach of a journalist rather than who THEY want to win. This isnt’ about them, it’s about the viewing audience, those paying to vote and who THEY want to win. The judges should give honest critiques, not something aimed at either getting or  taking votes in regards to a particular contestant.

For example, the predictably cheesy winner’s song tonight. Both Adam and Kris had pitch and key problems during it. Randy kind of pointed it out with Adam, definitely pointed it out with Kris. The rest of the judges, with Adam, basically ignored the pitch problems and proclaimed him king of the American Idol world. When Kris came up, while they didn’t tear him apart the way I thought, they didn’t slobber lusciously over him the way they did Adam, so basically while saying he deserved to be there, they also gave the subliminal message that he should give up any thought of winning.

I liked both of them tonight. I thought they both did equally well. I voted for Kris. Why? Because I geniunely think he has come from behind and taken this on with full force and deserves to win. Adam doesn’t need the win, like Allison Iraheta, he WILL get signed and will be a star. But just once I want a season of American Idol where it’s not who the judges want, but who the voters actually want. And Kris Allen very well could win this. Remember Season Five? The judges were the same way with Chris Daughtry, had basically proclaimed him the winner long before the season was over. The fans had enough of it and thusly he got voted off. Didnt’ stop him either but it showed the judges that when they push and push and PUSH who THEY want on the voters too much, the voters can throw it right back at them.

Either way, out of this season, I think that Adam, Kris, Allison and Danny should find viable careers. But I HOPE that in the coming seasons the producers say enough is enough with the judges slobbering. Please note however, we here at YakkityYaks are not out to derail American Idol or the enjoyment of it by purposely trying to mess with the show the way other sites do. We just want it fair to all of the contestants.